Bill Aims To Keep Guns Away From Mentally Ill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A bill aimed at blocking the mentally ill from purchasing guns by closing a loophole in the law has cleared the Florida House Judiciary Committee.

State Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens, says her bill could be a potential life saver.

The measure (HB 1355) is backed by the National Rifle Association. The bill is aimed at situations in which the mentally ill voluntarily commit themselves for treatment to avoid involuntary commitment, then check themselves out of the facilities. At that point, they are able to purchase weapons.

Watson says her bill will make sure such people don’t end up armed.

Marion Hammer with the NRA says the bill promotes public safety by closing a big loophole affecting countless people.